PAST EVENT

Sea Changes: Why Oceans Play a Bigger Role in Climate Than You Think

Global temperatures would be soaring even higher were it not for a powerful heat-trapping ally: oceans. From regulating the temperature of the planet to generating half of the oxygen we breathe, oceans are a vital part of sustaining life on Earth. Increasing their temperature as little as two degrees, however, has an opposite effect, threatening marine biodiversity and turbocharging dangerous hurricanes and typhoons.

But there are bright prospects on the horizon for humans and oceans. Underwater, large-scale marine protected areas are an example of how ocean life can thrive with bold conservation efforts. Above the surface, offshore oil rigs are being replaced with wind farms, poised to be a significant driver of clean energy. Will coastal communities that once shunned offshore drilling welcome fossil fuel free wind power? What is the future for coastal communities and ocean biodiversity threatened by climate change?

Join us for a conversation on the health and future of our oceans with Sara Aminzadeh, commissioner with the California Coastal Commission; Ken Caldeira, scientist with the Department of Global Ecology at the Carnegie Institution for Science; and Daniela Fernandez, founder and CEO of the Sustainable Ocean Alliance.

Notes

This program is generously underwritten by Bank of the West

April 23, 2019

The Commonwealth Club110 The EmbarcaderoTaube Family AuditoriumSan Francisco, 94105United States

Scientist, Department of Global Ecology at the Carnegie Institution for Science

Daniela Fernandez

Founder and CEO, Sustainable Ocean Alliance

Greg Dalton

Founder and Host, Climate One

Commonwealth Club

The leading national forum open to all for the impartial discussion of public issues important to the membership, community and nation. The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. Each year, we bring nearly 500 events on topics ranging across politics, culture, society and the economy to more than 25,000 members and the public, both in-person and via an extensive online and on-air listenership and viewership.